Outdoor storage bag

ABSTRACT

A selectively openable and closable, outdoor storage bag that is at least water-resistant includes a body portion made of a flexible, waterproof, bag material, the bag material comprising a plurality of waterproof welded seams that define a predetermined shape of the body portion and an opening, the body portion defining an interior space within the body portion; a closure mechanism joined to the body portion by a welded seam proximate a periphery of the opening, the closure mechanism configured to selectively open and close the opening and provide a seal that is at least water-resistant when the opening is closed; a flap of the bag material that extends from the body portion and covers the closure mechanism; and a plurality of anchor points attached to an exterior surface of the body portion, wherein the body portion of the bag is waterproof and the seal is at least water-resistant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/152,539 filed on May 11, 2016 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/159,492 filed on May 11, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to, generally, an apparatus, a product, or asystem configured to manage a payload (i.e., a load of articles, cargo,contents, or goods) and, more particularly, an outdoor storage bag or anenclosure configured to store, mobilize, and protect the payload and beeasily removably (i.e., non-permanently) anchored to an object, such asa fixed outdoor location or a vehicle, in open and closed positions ofthe bag, and more particularly to an outdoor storage bag or an enclosureconfigured to be easily removably anchored in a bed of a pick-up truck.

BACKGROUND

A bed of a light- or heavy-duty pick-up truck is a storage area in arear of the truck for payload (i.e., a load of articles, cargo,contents, or goods). The truck bed and payload are essentially out inthe open and inherently exposed and open to outside elements of weather(including, but not limited to, cold, hail, heat, humidity, rain, sleet,snow, sun, and wind), dirt, and sand that can damage the payload. Assuch, to transport the payload in the truck bed, the payload must beable to withstand the elements, sand, and dirt and be protectedtherefrom and the resultant damage during transit and over longdistances of the truck. Additionally, having the truck bed so exposedleaves the payload more susceptible to theft because the payload isunprotected and in plain sight. Furthermore, as the truck bed has no topor roof and, thus, is not confined by a fixed height limitation, vastflexibility is allowed in what may be stored or mobilized by the truck.Yet, proper confinement of the truck bed for smaller payloads is alsoprevented.

Known attempted solutions—such as Tonneau covers, camper tops, and thelike—have been employed to address this issue. However, these solutionsand installation thereof can hinder long-term flexibility of the truckbed and are complicated, cumbersome, expensive (i.e., add significantexpense), and substantially permanent, thus limiting utility of thetruck in large part. Other known attempted solutions—such as truckboxes—are also semi-permanent, heavy, and intrude significantly intospace for the payload.

Another known attempted solution is a large, waterproof bag that issized to fit into the truck bed. More specifically, the bag isrectangular or square and sealed by an elongated zipper at one end ofthe bag. An overlapping flap at an opening at one end of the bag isconfigured to cover and protect the zipper from the elements. The bag isused to store the payload (for example, luggage) in a waterproofenvironment in the truck bed. The bag features a series of anchoringassemblies (i.e., eight hook assemblies or anchor loops) located andattached (i.e., sewn to a backing flap, adhesively secured, andheat-sealed) at each of four corners of two opposed sides or surfaces ofthe bag. The anchoring assemblies can be used to anchor or secure thebag in place in either a horizontal or vertical orientation or positionduring travel of the truck. In particular, the backing flap is adheredand heat-sealed to a larger anchoring patch, thereby forming a unitadhered to and heat-sealed to a surface of the bag to form an anchoringassembly.

In operation of the bag, the bag is mounted in either the horizontal orvertical orientation and anchored by the four anchoring assemblies. Theanchoring assemblies are located on an upper surface of the bag when thebag is positioned in the horizontal orientation. When the bag ispositioned in the vertical orientation, two of the anchoring assemblieslocated on the two opposed sides of the bag at an upper portion of thebag are used to secure the bag in place. A series of four rope or bungeecords are used to secure the bag to opposed side rails of the truck bedin either the horizontal or vertical orientation.

Another known attempted solution is a payload-storage enclosure for atruck that includes a substantially rectangular first section oftear-resistant material. The first section has at least two folds tocreate a “U” shape, a top edge along a perimeter, a bottom edge, and twoside edges of the first section. A substantially rectangular secondsection of tear-resistant material has at least two folds to create a“U” shape and forms top, bottom, and back panels. The second section isoperatively affixed to the first section by attaching the bottom edge ofthe first section to the bottom panel of the second section along aperimeter of the bottom panel. The side edges of the first section areattached to the back panel of the second section along a perimeter ofthe back panel. A closure mechanism includes a first mating surfacealong the top edge of the first section and a second mating surfacealong a perimeter of the top panel of the second section. The first andsecond mating surfaces can be detachably connected from each other toform a substantially rectangular prism having a plurality of corners.

However, neither the known bag nor enclosure includes a source ofelectrical power. Neither the known bag nor enclosure includes alsosufficient anchoring and holding strength. The known bag and/orenclosure includes metal that can rust, scratch, or damage the truck bedor paint thereof. The known bag and/or enclosure includes also gluing,sewing, or stitching. Neither the known bag nor enclosure also islow-temperature- and high-temperature-resistant (i.e., has high“freeze/crack” “melt” ratings). Neither the known bag nor enclosure isalso highly ultraviolet (UV)-resistant (i.e., no fading of the bag orenclosure after prolonged exposure thereof to UV radiation). Neither theknown bag nor enclosure includes also a closure mechanism, such as azipper assembly, that is waterproof (i.e., has water-tight redundancy)and a position of zippers of which allows for full access to the bag orenclosure. Neither the known bag nor enclosure includes also protection(i.e., reduction of wear) of a bottom of the bag or enclosure.

Thus, there is a need in the related art for an outdoor payload-storagebag (or enclosure). More specifically, there is a need in the relatedart for such a bag that is immune to elements of weather and configuredto be securely anchored to an object or a vehicle, such as in a truckbed, in open and closed positions of the bag. There is a need in therelated art for such a bag that also is sufficiently durable or sturdyto protect payload from and withstand the elements, particularly water,and is easy to set-up in and removed from the object or vehicle,including a truck bed. There is a need in the related art for such a bagthat also is light for easy long- and short-term storage, mobilization,and transport of the payload. There is a need in the related art forsuch a bag that also is cost-effective. There is a need in the relatedart for such a bag that also is simple, efficient, and cost-effective.There is a need in the related art for such a bag that also conceals orshields the payload from view. There is a need in the related art foranchor points, such as bag straps of which can be quickly connected anddisconnected.

There is a need in the related art for such a bag that also includes asource of electrical power. There is a need in the related art for sucha bag that includes also sufficient anchoring and holding strength.There is a need in the related art for such a bag that also does notinclude metal that can rust, scratch, or damage the truck bed or paintthereof. There is a need in the related art for such a bag that does notinclude gluing, sewing, or stitching. There is a need in the related artfor such a bag that is also low-temperature- andhigh-temperature-resistant (i.e., has high “freeze/crack” “melt”ratings). There is a need in the related art for such a bag that is alsohighly ultraviolet (UV)-resistant (i.e., no fading of the bag afterprolonged exposure thereof to UV radiation). There is a need in therelated art for such a bag that includes also a closure mechanism thatis at least water resistant or waterproof (i.e., has water-tightredundancy) and a position of which allows for full access to the bag.There is a need in the related art for such a bag that includes alsoprotection (i.e., reduction of wear) of a bottom of the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention overcomes the aforesaid disadvantages in the related artand provides an outdoor storage bag configured to store, mobilize, andprotect payload and be easily removably anchored to an object, such as afixed outdoor location or a vehicle, including in a bed of a pick-uptruck, in open and closed positions of the bag.

In one embodiment, a selectively openable and closable, outdoor storagebag that is at least water-resistant is disclosed. The outdoor storagebag includes a waterproof body portion made of a flexible, waterproof,bag material, the bag material comprising a plurality of waterproofwelded seams that define a predetermined shape of the body portion andan opening, the body portion defining an interior space within the bodyportion, the predetermined shape and interior space configured toreceive, enclose, and store a payload; a closure mechanism joined to thebody portion by a welded seam proximate a periphery of the opening, theclosure mechanism configured to selectively open and close the openingand provide a seal that is at least water-resistant when the opening isclosed; a flap of the bag material that extends from the body portionand covers the closure mechanism; and a plurality of anchor points eachcomprising a flexible, waterproof patch having an inner surface disposedtoward the body portion and a loop of a tear-resistant material attachedto an inner surface of the patch, the inner surface of the patchattached by a welded seam to an exterior surface of the body portion,wherein the body portion of the bag is waterproof and the seal is atleast water-resistant.

A method of making a selectively openable and closable, outdoor storagebag that is at least water-resistant, comprising: forming a waterproofbody portion from a flexible, waterproof, bag material, the bag materialcomprising a plurality of waterproof welded seams that define apredetermined shape of the body portion and an opening, the body portiondefining an interior space within the body portion, the predeterminedshape and interior space configured to receive, enclose, and store apayload; joining a closure mechanism to the body portion by a weldedseam proximate a periphery of the opening, the closure mechanismconfigured to selectively open and close the opening and provide a sealthat is at least water-resistant when the opening is closed; forming aflap of the bag material that extends from the body portion and coversthe closure mechanism; and attaching a plurality of anchor points to thebody portion each comprising a flexible, waterproof patch having aninner surface disposed toward the body portion and a loop of atear-resistant material attached to an inner surface of the patch, theinner surface of the patch attached by a welded seam to an exteriorsurface of the body portion, wherein the body portion of the bag iswaterproof and the seal is at least water-resistant.

The invention overcomes the disadvantages in related art truck-bed bags.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bagaccording to the invention, the bag includes at least one solar panel.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag includes four anchoring components each of which is made ofthree-ply PVC or Kevlar® mesh, each ply being heat-welded [i.e.,ultrasonic/radio-frequency (RF) welded] to the bag and having about a300-pound holding strength.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag also may include a plurality of straps to anchor the bag tooriginal-equipment-manufacturer anchor points (OEM anchor points) in avehicle, such as a truck bed.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag includes a load-tightening strap anchored by three-ply PVC coatedpolyester fabric, each ply being heat-welded [i.e.,ultrasonic/radio-frequency (RF) welded] to the bag and having about a300-pound holding strength.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag does not include metal that can rust, scratch, or damage the truckbed or paint thereof

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag does not include gluing, sewing, or stitching.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag is low-temperature- and high-temperature-resistant (i.e., has a“freeze/crack” rating of about −40° F. and a “melt” rating of up toabout 150° F.).

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag is highly ultraviolet (UV)-resistant (i.e., no fading of the bagafter prolonged exposure thereof to UV radiation).

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag includes a closure mechanism in the form of a zipper assembly thatis at least water resistant, and in one embodiment waterproof (i.e.,watertight), and a has a position of the zipper or zippers which allowsfor full access to the bag.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storage bag, thebag includes also an integrated skid plate for protecting (i.e.,reducing wear of) a bottom of the bag.

An advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the invention isthat provides protection of payload from weather elements, including,water, dust, dirt, sand, smoke, soot, salt spray or other elements, andphysical damage, as well as ease of use and manufacture of the bag.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it is highly water-resistant, and in certain embodimentswaterproof.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it can be customized to satisfy individual application andbranding requirements, including providing any required bag color and/orcombination of colors, as well as the incorporation of brand trademarks,such as various names, symbols, logos, and combinations thereof.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it is heavy-duty, including being resistant to external surfacephysical damage from external objects and internal surface physicaldamage from payload articles in use, including resistance to abrasion,scuffing, marring, ripping, tearing, puncture and the like.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that the external surface comprises a matte finish plastic coatedfabric, such as a matte-embossed PVC coated polyester fabric.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it may be made in a range of material weights that arewell-suited to wide variety of different bag applications, including arange of 10 ounce per square yard to 40 ounce per square yard PVC coatedpolyester fabrics.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it has a high tensile and adhesion strength.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it includes seams that are strong and heat-welded [i.e.,ultrasonic/radio-frequency (RF) welded].

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it is highly abrasion- and rot-resistant.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it is highly tear- and puncture-resistant.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it has a high thread count (i.e., about 1000×1300).

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it is highly hydrostatic-resistant.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it is flame-resistant.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it includes a one-step emergency patch kit that can be quicklyapplied.

Another advantage of the outdoor storage bag according to the inventionis that it is light and flexible and can take on a wide range of sizes(from small to large) of a payload bundle.

Those having ordinary skill in the related art should readily appreciateobjects, features, and other advantages of the according to theinvention as it becomes more understood while the subsequent detaileddescription of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the assembly isread taken in conjunction with an accompanying drawing thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only,in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detaileddescription referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pick-up truck showing a bed thereofwith which a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the outdoor storagebag according to the invention is configured to be installed andattached;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the outdoor storagebag of FIG. 1 showing the bag supported in a completely contracted andclosed state on a floor of the truck bed illustrated in FIG. 1, withouta payload;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the outdoor storagebag illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the bag supported in apartially expanded and open state within the truck bed without apayload;

FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views of the embodiment of the outdoorstorage bag illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 showing the bag supported in acompletely expanded and open state within the truck bed with a payload;

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of the embodiment of the outdoorstorage bag illustrated in FIGS. 1-4B showing the bag supported in acompletely expanded and closed state within the truck bed with thepayload;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the outdoor storage bag,as described herein;

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the embodiment of the outdoor storage bagof FIG. 6, as described herein;

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the embodiment of the outdoor storage bagof FIG. 6, as described herein;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Section A-A of theembodiment of the outdoor storage bag of FIG. 6, as described herein;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the outdoor storagebag, as described herein;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attachment point for an outdoorstorage bag, as described herein;

FIG. 12 is Table 1, as described herein;

FIG. 13 is Table 2, as described herein;

FIGS. 14A-14J are schematic illustrations of various embodiments of theoutdoor storage bag, including a cartop bag (FIG. 14A), an SUV bag (FIG.14B), a trailer bag (FIG. 14C), a bicycle rack bag (FIG. 14D), amotorcycle bag (FIG. 14E), a hitch rack bag (FIG. 14F), a boat bag (FIG.14G), a deck or patio bag (FIG. 14H), a tailgating bag (FIG. 14I), and acampsite or park bag (FIG. 14J); and

FIG. 15A is a top view of another embodiment of the outdoor storage bagof the invention; and FIG. 15B is a side view of the embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 15A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures, including FIGS. 1-13, throughout whichlike reference numerals are used to designate like structure,non-limiting exemplary embodiments of an outdoor storage bag 1, and moreparticularly in this embodiment a truck-bed bag 10, according to theinvention, is illustrated. The outdoor storage bag 1 is described belowand/or shown in the figures being implemented in a bed, generallyindicated at 12, of a light- or heavy-duty pick-up truck, generallyindicated at 14. However, the outdoor storage bag 1 can be implementedin any suitable area of any suitable type of truck or other automotivevehicle, in particular, and vehicle or vehicular applications, ingeneral. Without intending to be limited, suitable vehicularapplications of outdoor storage bag 1 include a cartop bag 100configured for attachment to the top of a car 102 (FIG. 14A), a truckbed bag 10 configured for attachment to the bed 12 of a truck 14 (FIGS.1-5 and 10), a rear compartment bag 110 configured for insertion and/orattachment in a rear compartment of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) 112 orminivan (FIG. 14B), a trailer bag 110 configured for attachment to atowable trailer 112 (FIG. 14C), a bicycle carrier bag 120 configured forattachment to a vehicle bicycle carrier 122 (FIG. 14D), a motorcycle bag130 configured to enclose a motorcycle 132, particularly fortransportation in a towable trailer 112 or truck 14 or storage in agarage or other structure (FIG. 14E), a hitch rack bag 140 for enclosinga payload 16 being transported on a hitch rack 142 of a vehicle 144(14F), or a marine vehicle or boat bag 150 configured for attachment toa boat 152 or other powered or unpowered (e.g. rowboat, pram, canoe,kayak, paddleboard or the like) marine vehicle (FIG. 14G) applications.It will also be appreciated that the bag 10 can be implemented in anysuitable non-vehicular application, including various fixed ortransportable emplacement applications. Non-limiting embodiments offixed emplacement applications include those wherein the outdoor storagebag 1 comprises a deck bag or a patio bag 160 configured for placementon and/or attachment to a deck or patio 162 or other outdoor portion ofa building or other structure 164, such as a home or office building(FIG. 14H). Non-limiting embodiments of transportable (i.e. non-fixed)emplacement applications include those wherein the outdoor storage bag 1comprises a tailgating bag 170 configured for placement and use in aparking lot 172 (FIG. 14I), or a campsite bag 180 configured forplacement and use in a campground, park or similar facility 182 (FIG.14J). The outdoor storage bag 1 is configured to store, mobilize, andprotect a payload, generally indicated at 16 (FIGS. 4A and 4B), and beeasily removably anchored in the application environment, including theapplications mentioned above, in open (FIG. 4A) and closed (FIG. 5A)positions of the bag 10. It should be so appreciated also that thepayload 16 can be any suitable type of predetermined payload 16. Itshould be so appreciated also that elements of the environment (e.g.weather) from which the bag 10 is configured to protect the payload 16can be any elements, including water, dust, dirt, sand, smoke, soot,salt spray or other elements.

In one exemplary embodiment, a selectively openable and closable,outdoor storage bag 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. The storage bag 1 isat least water-resistant when closed owing to the nature of itsconstituent parts and construction, as described below.

In this embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1 includes a body portion 28made of a flexible, waterproof, plastic coated fabric bag material 2.Any suitable flexible, waterproof, plastic coated fabric bag material 2may be used. In one embodiment, a suitable plastic coated fabric bagmaterial 2 includes a polyvinyl chloride coated polyester fabric havingthe description and ranges of characteristics set forth in Table 1 (FIG.12) and Table 2 (FIG. 13). The bag material 2 of the body portion 28includes a plurality of waterproof welded seams 4 that define apredetermined shape 27 of the body portion 28 and an opening 29 in thebody portion. The body portion 28 and its shape in a filled condition(FIG. 5A and FIG. 10) defining an interior space 40 or volume within thebody portion. Because of the flexibility of the bag material 2, thepredetermined shape 27 will generally be defined by the predeterminedpayload 16 enclosed within the interior space 40, and may be a regularshape, such as a rectangular box, or an irregular shape. Thepredetermined shape 27 and interior space 40 are configured to receive,enclose, and store a predetermined payload 16 and may be designed so asto conform closely to the features of the predetermined payload 16. Inone embodiment, the predetermined shape 27 may also be determined inaccordance with a size and shape of the application environment, such asto conform to the size and shape of a truck bed, as described herein. Inthis case, the predetermined shape 27 and interior space may be designedto substantially fit and fill, including in certain embodiments toexactly fit and fill, the shape and size of the application environment.In other embodiments, the predetermined shape 27 may also be determinedin accordance with a size and shape of the application environment, suchas to exceed the size and shape of a truck bed, as described herein. Inthis case, the predetermined shape 27 and interior space may be designedto be larger than the shape and size of the application environment. Anoversize bag configuration is particularly advantageous because evenwhen the predetermined payload 16 completely fills the space and size ofthe application environment, it is still possible to operate the closuremechanism 48, such as zipper 53, to close the bag 1 easily, and avoidthe introduction of a lateral tensile stress across the longitudinalaxis of the closure mechanism.

In one embodiment, the body portion 28 may be described as including afloor section 30 and at least one side-wall section 32 that extendsgenerally upwardly from the floor section and defines the opening 29(e.g. FIG. 4A-5C). In this embodiment, the opening 29 may include a topopening or a sidewall opening. In one embodiment, this configuration maybe described generally as having a clamshell shape or configuration, andmay not require a cover, as described herein (FIGS. 15A and 15B). Inother embodiments, the body portion 28 may be described as including afloor section 30 and a plurality of wall sections 32 that extendsgenerally upwardly from the floor section and defines the opening 29(FIGS. 5A-5C). In these embodiments, the outdoor bag 1 and body portion28 may have any suitable predetermined shape, including a generallyrectangular or box shape configuration, and may employ a cover or coverportion 42, as described herein.

In this embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1 also includes a closuremechanism 48 joined to the body portion by a welded seam 49 proximate aperiphery of the opening 29. The closure mechanism 48 is configured toselectively open and close the opening 29 by action of a human user andprovide a seal 51 that is at least water-resistant when the opening isclosed by the closure mechanism. In one embodiment, the closuremechanism 48 comprises a zipper 53, and the zipper is at least waterresistant when closed. Water-resistant zippers 53 generally have theinterlocking zipper teeth attached to a fabric strip, wherein the fabricstrip comprises a material and weave that resists water penetration, butmay or may not have been treated with a water impervious coatingmaterial. As used herein, water-resistant means resisting though notentirely preventing the penetration of water. As used herein, waterproofor watertight means impervious to water, including permeation by waterwhen the zipper is exposed directly to water, including being submergedto a depth that is less than a predetermined submerged depth. In oneembodiment, the zipper 53 comprises a waterproof zipper. Waterproofzippers 53 generally have sealably interlocking zipper teeth attached toa strip of a plastic coated fabric material, which may include theplastic coated fabric materials described herein, including PVC coatedpolyester fabric. In one embodiment the zipper 53 is a double-togglezipper and is configured to provide opposing zippers that are configuredto open and close the opening from either or both of the respective endsof the zipper.

In this embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1 also includes a flap 55 ofthe plastic coated fabric bag material that extends from the bodyportion 28 proximate the opening 29 and is positioned on body portion sothat it extends laterally over and covers the closure mechanism 48. Theflap also extends longitudinally along the length of the closuremechanism, thereby protecting the closure mechanism from direct exposureto the environment.

In this embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1 further includes aplurality of anchor points 35 attached to an exterior surface 37 of thebody portion 28 (FIG. 11). The anchor points 35 are configured to attachthe outdoor bag 1 and body portion 28 to another object, and moreparticularly to the object comprising the vehicular or non-vehicularapplication. Any suitable anchor points 35 may be attached to the outersurface 37 of the body portion 28. As illustrated in FIG. 11, in oneembodiment, each of the plurality of anchor points 35 comprises a loop41 formed from a strip or strap 43 of a strong, tear-resistant material,such as, for example, ballistic nylon webbing. The strip or strap,having two end portions 45, the end portions inserted through a slot 47in a patch 57 of the bag material and sewn to a back surface of thepatch, and wherein the back surface of the patch is attached by aperipheral welded seam 59 to an outer surface 37 of the body portion 28to define the anchor point 35. The welded seam 59 may be formed by anysuitable welding process, including those described herein, such as RFwelding. The end portions 45 may be sewn to the back surface of thepatch 57 by any suitable method and pattern of stitching, includingsewing in accordance with appropriate Mil Spec sewing standards forattachment of ballistic nylon webbing to other materials.

In this embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1 includes a body portion 28that is waterproof and the seal 51 that is at least water-resistant,making the overall outdoor storage bag 1 at least water-resistant. Incertain embodiments wherein the seal 51 of the closure mechanism 48 iswaterproof, such as a waterproof zipper, the overall outdoor storage bag1 is waterproof.

In this embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1 may further include acover or cover portion 42 of the plastic coated fabric bag material 2,wherein the cover is configured to cover the opening 29, and wherein theclosure mechanism 48 is joined on one side by the welded seam to thebody portion 28 and on an opposite side by a welded seam to the cover42. This is the configuration of the outdoor storage bag 1 of FIGS. 1-5Cdescribed below, for example. In embodiments that include a cover 42,the cover may also include at least one anchor point 35 attached to anexterior surface 61 of the cover in the manner described herein forattachment points attached to the body portion 28, as shown in FIGS.6-8, for example.

In another embodiment of the outdoor storage bag 1, the storage bag hasa rectangular box shape configuration that is well-suited to a number ofapplication environments, particularly as a truck-bed bag 10. Referringnow to FIGS. 1-5C, the truck bed 12 defines a generally planar,rectangular floor 18 of the truck bed 12. A pair of opposed side walls20 of the truck bed 12 extend fixedly upward from respective sides ofthe bed floor 18. A tailgate 22 rotates hingedly from a rear end of thefloor 18, where it is attached by a hinge, upward to close the truck bed12 (and, thereby, form a rear wall of the truck bed) and downward toopen the truck bed 12 (and, thereby, facilitate access to the truck bed12). A rear face 24 of a back of a cab 26 and or a front wall 15 of thebed of the truck 14, generally indicated at 26, forms a front wall 15 ofthe truck bed 12. There is no roof or top to the truck bed 12 such thatthe truck bed 12 forms, when the truck bed 12 is closed, an open-topfive-sided rectangular cube that defines a volume of space enclosed bythe truck bed 12.

It will be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in therelated art that the truck 14, in general, and truck bed 12, inparticular, play no part of the invention. It should be so appreciatedalso that the truck bed 12, in general, and each of the floor 18, sidewalls 20, tailgate 22, and rear face 24 of the back of the cab 26 orfront wall 15, in particular, can have any suitable shape, size, andstructure and relationship with a remainder of the truck 14, includingthe cab 26. It will also be appreciated that the space enclosed by thetruck bed 12 can define any suitable shape, size, or volume of thisvehicle application environment. It should be so appreciated also thatthe truck bed 12 can include a roof or top.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-5C, the truck-bed bag 10 includes asubstantially larger body portion, generally indicated at 28, made offlexible, waterproof bag material 2. The body portion 28 is configuredto be folded and provided with an interior welded seam 4 at a pluralityof locations, including in this embodiment at least four locations, toform corners 6 to define a substantially rectangular box or cubicalshape of the body portion 28 defining a substantially “U-shaped”transverse cross-section and a top opening of the body portion 28. Thebody portion 28 is supported within the truck bed 12 and defines a floorsection 30, two side-wall sections 32, two end-wall sections 34, twotop-side edges 36, two top-end edges 38, and interior space 40 of thebody portion 28 configured to, in combination with each other, receive,enclose, and support the payload 16.

A substantially smaller cover portion, generally indicated at 42, ismade of flexible, baggy material. The cover portion 42 defines twobottom-side edges 44 and two bottom-end edges 46 of the cover portion42. A bottom-end edge 46 of the cover portion 42 is configured to berotatingly or pivotally attached to an end-wall section 34 of the bodyportion 28 at a corresponding top-end edge 38 of the body portion 28.The cover portion 42 is rotated or pivoted upon the interior space 40 ofthe body portion 28 such that the bottom-side edges 44 and otherbottom-end edge 46 of the cover portion 42 are in contactingrelationship with the corresponding top-side edges 36 and top-end edge46 of the body portion 28 to cover the top opening 29 of the bodyportion 28.

A closure mechanism, generally indicated at 48, is connected to the bodyand cover portions 28, 42 and configured to secure covering of the topopening 29 by the cover portion 42 and, in turn, closure of thetruck-bed bag 10.

Each of the body and cover portions 28, 42 can have any suitable shape,size, and structure and relationship with a remainder of the truck-bedbag 10. Each of the body and cover portions 28, 42 can be made of anysuitable flexible, waterproof, plastic coated fabric bag material 2. Thebottom-end edge 46 of the cover portion 42 can be rotatingly orpivotally attached at the corresponding top-end edge 38 of the bodyportion 28 in any suitable manner, such as by a welded seam.

In non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the bag 10, the bag 10 includesat least one solar panel 50 to act as a source of electrical power.Those having ordinary skill in the related art should readily appreciatethat the bag 10 can include any suitable number of solar panels 50 eachof which can have any suitable shape, size, structure, and relationshipwith a remainder of the bag 10.

As shown in FIG. 11, the truck-bed bag 10 also includes a plurality ofanchoring points 35 that each include an anchoring component 52. Theanchoring points 35 each also include a patch 57 which in one embodimentis made of a multi-ply (e.g. three-ply) PVC coated polyester fabric orKevlar® mesh. Any suitable number of anchor points 35 may beincorporated, and in one embodiment four such anchor points areincorporated. The anchor points 35 may include any suitable anchoringcomponents 52, and in one embodiment, the anchoring component 52includes a loop 41 of a strip or strap 43 that is attached to the patch57, as described herein Each ply of the patch 57 is attached to the bag10 and has about a 300-pound holding strength. In an aspect, each ply iswelded to the bag 10. In an edition of this aspect, each ply isheat-welded to the bag 10. In a version of this edition, each ply isultrasonic/radio-frequency (RF) welded to the bag 10. Suitable anchoringcomponents 52 may also include grommets and other attachment devices ofvarious sizes and shapes.

The bag 10 can include any suitable number of anchor points 35, and eachanchor point 35 may include any suitable number of anchor components 52,each of which can have any suitable shape, size, structure, andrelationship with a remainder of the bag 10. Each anchoring component 52can be made of any suitable number of plies, in any suitable manner, andby any suitable material. Each ply can be attached to the bag 10 in anysuitable manner.

It should be readily appreciated by those having ordinary skill in therelated art that the bag 10 and anchor points 35 may be anchored to theapplication object (e.g. vehicle or fixed emplacement) in any suitablemanner and using any suitable attachment device 63, such as atightenable strap 58, rope, chain, bungee cord, or other attachmentdevice. The bag 10 may include any suitable number of attachment devices63, each of which can have any suitable shape, size, structure, andrelationship with a remainder of the truck-bed bag 10 and the truck bed12. The bag 10 can include any suitable load-tightening strap 58 havingany suitable shape, size, structure, and relationship with a remainderof the bag 10.

Furthermore, the outdoor storage bag 1, including truck-bed bag 10, doesnot include metal components that can rust, scratch, or damage the truckbed 12 or paint of the truck bed 12. In addition, the bag 10 does notinclude gluing, sewing, or stitching. Moreover, the bag 10 islow-temperature- and high-temperature-resistant. In an aspect, the bag10 has a “freeze/crack” rating of about −40° F. and a “melt” rating ofup to about 150° F. Plus, the bag 10 is highly ultraviolet(UV)-resistant (i.e., no fading of the bag after prolonged exposurethereof to UV radiation).

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the closure mechanism 48 is azipper assembly 53 that is at least water-resistant, and in anembodiment waterproof (i.e., has watertight redundancy). A position ofzippers of the zipper assembly 53 allows for full access to the bag 10.The zipper assembly 53 is suited to protect, for example, documents andelectronic instruments against, chemicals, gas, and salt water. Towardthis end, the zipper assembly 53 is made from high-strength fabriccoated with thermoplastic polyurethane. The zipper assembly 53 is alsohighly resistant to abrasion, salt water, and damage caused by dirt andsand and has high vertical strength. Sealing edges of the zipperassembly 53 are tightly sealed together when the zipper assembly 53 isclosed forming seal 51.

The closure mechanism 48 can be any suitable type of closure mechanism48. Closure mechanism 48, including zipper assembly 53, may bepositioned on outdoor storage bag, including truck-bed bag 10, in anysuitable position or location. In certain embodiments, the closuremechanism 48 will located on an upper portion of the body portion 28,including locations proximate the opening 29, as well as locations 0.5to 2.0 inches below the opening 29. The zipper assembly 53 may beconfigured to protect any suitable payload 16. It should be soappreciated also that the zipper assembly 53 can be made from anysuitable material in any suitable manner. It should be so appreciatedalso that the sealing edges of the zipper assembly 53 can be sealedtogether in any suitable manner when the zipper assembly 53 is closed.

In one embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1, including truck-bed bag10, may optionally include an integrated skid plate 62 (FIGS. 7 and 8)as well for protecting (i.e., reducing wear of) a bottom of the bag 10.The skid plate 62 may have any suitable shape, size, structure, andrelationship with a remainder of the bag and be made of any suitablematerial, and in one embodiment may include an engineering plastic, suchas various thermoset or thermoplastic polymer materials, includingplastic materials that include a reinforcing filler, including particle,fiber or fabric fillers. In another embodiment, the skid plate 62 mayalso be formed from a composite material.

The truck-bed bag 10 provides protection of the payload 16 from theelements, including dust, dirt, sand, soot, smoke salt spray andphysical damage, and may also provide for ease of use and manufacture ofthe bag. Also, the truck-bed bag 10 is highly water-resistant orwaterproof. In certain embodiments, the truck-bed bag 10 can becustomized to capture individual branding requirements as describedherein. Furthermore, the truck-bed bag 10 is heavy-duty. In addition, incertain embodiments, the bag 10 may be made of matte-embossed PVC on anexterior surface. In one embodiment, the bag 10 is made of PVC coatedwoven polyester, which may encompass any of the materials and weightsshown in Table 1 and 2, including 10-40 oz material, and moreparticularly 14-22 oz material, and more particularly 18¬22 oz material.In addition, the bag 10 has a high tensile and adhesion strength asdescribed in Tables 1 and 2. The bag 10 includes seams that are strongand heat-welded [i.e. ultrasonic/radio-frequency (RF) welded] as well.

The bag 10 is highly abrasion- and rot-resistant and tear- andpuncture-resistant. Also, the bag 10 includes a zipper assembly 53 thatis waterproof (i.e., has water-tight redundancy) and a position ofzippers of which allows for full access to the bag 10. The bag 10 has ahigh thread count (i.e., about 1000×1300). Furthermore, the bag 10 ishighly hydrostatic-resistant. In addition, the bag 10 islow-temperature- and high-temperature-resistant (i.e., has a“freeze/crack” rating of about −40° F. and a “melt” rating of up toabout 150° F.). Moreover, the bag 10 is highly ultraviolet(UV)-resistant (i.e., no fading of the bag 10 after prolonged exposurethereof to UV radiation). The bag 10 is also flame-resistant.

The bag 10 may optionally include a one-step emergency patch kit 90. Thekit may include a closable pocket 76 that includes an additional sheetor sheets of the bag material 2 that can be quickly applied by a heatweld using a heating device, such as an iron or the like.

In one embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1, including the truck-bedbag 10, includes at least one attached partition 70 disposed within theinterior space 40 as shown in FIGS. 6-8. The partition may be formedfrom any suitable material, and in one embodiment comprises the plasticcoated fabric bag material 2 and is attached by at least one welded seamor a selectively detachable attachment, such as mating Velcro strips toan interior surface of the body portion 28. In another embodiment, theoutdoor storage bag 1, including truck-bed bag 10, includes at least oneunattached partition 72 disposed within the interior space that is notattached to an interior surface of the body portion 28, but which may beattached to or engaged with attached partition 70.

In one embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1, including the truck-bedbag 10, includes at least one open (no closure) pocket 74 or selectivelyopenable and closable pocket 76 that is attached by at least one weldedseam to an interior surface or an exterior surface of the body portionas shown in FIGS. 6-8. The pocket or pockets 74, 76 may be disposed onthe body portion 28 or cover 42 in any suitable location and may haveany suitable size or shape. In one embodiment, the closable pocket 76incorporates a selectively openable and closable pocket zipper 78.

In one embodiment, the outdoor storage bag 1, including the truck-bedbag 10, includes a liner 80 that is configured for selectivelydetachable attachment to an interior surface of the body portion 28and/or cover 42 as shown in FIGS. 6-8. The liner 80 may be disposed onall or any portion of body portion 28 and/or cover 42 and provide a padto cushion or protect the payload 16. The liner 80 may be formed fromany suitable material. In one embodiment, the material may includeimitation or natural fleece, or a woven or non-woven fabric, such asmicrofiber.

The invention has been described above in an illustrative manner. Thosehaving ordinary skill in the related art will readily appreciate thatthe terminology that has been used above is intended to be in the natureof words of description rather than of limitation. Many modificationsand variations of the invention are possible in light of the aboveteachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced other than as so described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A selectively openable and closable, outdoorstorage bag that is at least water-resistant, comprising: a waterproofbody portion made of a flexible, waterproof, bag material, the bagmaterial comprising a plurality of waterproof welded seams that define apredetermined shape of the body portion and an opening, the body portiondefining an interior space within the body portion, the predeterminedshape and interior space configured to receive, enclose, and store apayload; a closure mechanism joined to the body portion by a welded seamproximate a periphery of the opening, the closure mechanism configuredto selectively open and close the opening and provide a seal that is atleast water-resistant when the opening is closed; a flap of the bagmaterial that extends from the body portion and covers the closuremechanism; and a plurality of anchor points each comprising a flexible,waterproof patch having an inner surface disposed toward the bodyportion and a loop of a tear-resistant material attached to an innersurface of the patch, the inner surface of the patch attached by awelded seam to an exterior surface of the body portion, wherein the bodyportion of the bag is waterproof and the seal is at leastwater-resistant.
 2. The outdoor storage bag of claim 1, furthercomprising a cover of the flexible, waterproof, bag material, the coverconfigured to cover the opening, wherein the closure mechanism is joinedon one side by the welded seam to the body portion and on an oppositeside by a welded seam to the cover.
 3. The outdoor storage bag of claim1, wherein the body portion comprises a floor section and at least oneside-wall section that extends upwardly from the floor section anddefines the opening.
 4. The outdoor storage bag of claim 3, wherein theopening is a top opening or a sidewall opening.
 5. The outdoor storagebag of claim 1, wherein the bag material comprises polyvinyl chloride(PVC) coated polyester fabric bag material.
 6. The outdoor storage bagof claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper and thezipper is at least water resistant when closed.
 7. The outdoor storagebag of claim 6, wherein the zipper is a waterproof zipper.
 8. Theoutdoor storage bag of claim 6, wherein the zipper is a double-togglezipper and is configured to open and close from respective ends of thezipper.
 9. The outdoor storage bag of claim 1, wherein the outdoorstorage bag comprises a cartop bag.
 10. The outdoor storage bag of claim1, wherein the outdoor storage bag comprises a truck bed bag.
 11. Theoutdoor storage bag of claim 1, wherein the outdoor storage bagcomprises an SUV or minivan rear compartment bag.
 12. The outdoorstorage bag of claim 1, wherein the outdoor storage bag comprises atrailer bag.
 13. The outdoor storage bag of claim 1, wherein the outdoorstorage bag comprises a bicycle carrier bag.
 14. The outdoor storage bagof claim 1, wherein the outdoor storage bag comprises a motorcycle bag.15. The outdoor storage bag of claim 1, wherein the outdoor storage bagcomprises a hitch rack bag.
 16. The outdoor storage bag of claim 1,wherein the outdoor storage bag comprises a marine vehicle or boat bag.17. The outdoor storage bag of claim 1, wherein the outdoor storage bagcomprises a deck bag, patio bag, tailgating bag, or a campsite bag. 18.The outdoor storage bag of claim 1, further comprising at least onepartition disposed within the interior space, or at least one open orclosable pocket that is attached by at least one welded seam to aninterior surface or an exterior surface of the body portion, or a linerthat is configured for selectively detachable attachment to an interiorsurface of the body portion, or any combination of the partition, thepocket, or the liner.
 19. A method of making a selectively openable andclosable, outdoor storage bag that is at least water-resistant,comprising: forming a waterproof body portion from a flexible,waterproof, bag material, the bag material comprising a plurality ofwaterproof welded seams that define a predetermined shape of the bodyportion and an opening, the body portion defining an interior spacewithin the body portion, the predetermined shape and interior spaceconfigured to receive, enclose, and store a payload; joining a closuremechanism to the body portion by a welded seam proximate a periphery ofthe opening, the closure mechanism configured to selectively open andclose the opening and provide a seal that is at least water-resistantwhen the opening is closed; forming a flap of the bag material thatextends from the body portion and covers the closure mechanism; andattaching a plurality of anchor points to the body portion eachcomprising a flexible, waterproof patch having an inner surface disposedtoward the body portion and a loop of a tear-resistant material attachedto an inner surface of the patch, the inner surface of the patchattached by a welded seam to an exterior surface of the body portion,wherein the body portion of the bag is waterproof and the seal is atleast water-resistant.
 20. The method of making a selectively openableand closable, outdoor storage bag of claim 19, further comprising:forming a cover of the flexible, waterproof, bag material, the coverconfigured to cover the opening, wherein the closure mechanism is joinedon one side by the welded seam to the body portion and on an oppositeside by a welded seam to the cover.